Tested

   “My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, remain in justice and fear, and prepare yourself for temptation.” (Sirach 2: 1)

   We are promised many blessings when we choose to serve God.  Peace in this world is not among them.  Over and over we see in scripture that those who choose God will suffer temptations, trials and difficulties.  We may find some peace but there will also be trials and hardships.

 

   Any goal worth achieving requires diligence and hard work.  Success in most all endeavors includes sacrifice and suffering.  No matter the prize being sought, there will be a cost.  Unless we are willing to accept the cost, experience the pain and make the sacrifice we can’t receive the reward.

   Consider the sacrifices our Lord made.  He was rejected by the ones He came to save.  He was betrayed by one of His apostles and abandoned by the others.  He was brutalized, beaten and nailed to a cross, suffering a death reserved for the worst of criminals.

   Now consider that the sacrifices, pain and death of Jesus was for our benefit; to pay the debt of our sins and offer us salvation.  Should we not expect to share to some degree in payment?  Certainly Christ’s sacrifices were enough; nothing else was required.  But I offer any pain, discomfort, and sacrifice to Him in honor and thanksgiving for all He has done for me.

   Gold is tested in fire; Christians are tested in the crucible of temptations, difficulties and sacrifice.  Pray that we have the faith and strength to pass the test.

   “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”  (2 Cor 4: 8 - 10)

Lord, You sacrificed all for our salvation.

May our trials and sufferings be a sharing in that sacrifice.

May we always give you praise and glory.

May we offer our all to You.

Amen